We had been on this island for almost 3 weeks and you can see that people are already starting to ask questions.
—What will the test be like?
—Will we be sent back to the labyrinth?
—Will we face orcs?
Everyone was afraid, but not everyone dealt with it in the same way. Some didn't care and went on with their lives, others panicked and ran to their room as if it would save them, and finally there were those who prepared to face that fear.
Well, in part, that was the Goddess' goal, for us to grow up and become strong.
I, for my part, was lying on the sand of the beach after my morning practice.
The breeze caressed my face and created a perfect temperature, neither hot nor cold, just perfect. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the tranquility of the moment made me feel an insurmountable pleasure.
I suppose for the Goddess to create something like this is nothing, but for me, a mere mortal, this was breathtaking.
I sighed.
—I want to have a Goddess as a servant so I can enjoy this pleasure whenever I want.
—So that's what you think.
Shit.
At the voice from my right I jumped up and looked at the intruder with a panicked face. Which caused him to laugh a little.
—Don't be surprised kid, I don't bite. I can enjoy a place like this too.
The one who appeared next to me was none other than the so-called Fire God.
You can enjoy it, but I can't if I know that I have next to me someone who can kill me when he wants and because he wants.
Shit, you're all crazy.
—I came to see you because I was worried.
Sorry, what? You said you were worried? About me?
I don't want to, thank you, go back where you came from.
—You don't have to worry about me. I'm practicing my fists on the rocks, and exercising in the water.
The Fire God laughed at my comment.
I, not knowing if that was good or bad, just smiled back at him.
—You know boy, you're never going to improve your fists if you just practice like that.
I looked at him quizzically.
—Why?
—According to you, what's the most important thing when it comes to fighting?
—I guess strength.
The Fire God shook his head.
—It's passion.
Passion? Really? You came all this way just to tell me that?
—I'm sorry, but I have to get some breakfast, I haven't eaten anything all morning.
In an attempt to escape I started walking towards the interior of the island, but the Fire God had no plans to let me go.
He grabbed my arm and with incredible force sent me flying. I landed in the water a considerable distance from the shore.
My left arm ended up in such pain that a little more and that madman would break it. And now I had to swim back to shore. The only thing I wanted to do was to punch the god with my fist.
When I got to shore I was exhausted. I was lying just at the height where the tide comes in, catching some air when the Fire God approached me and squatted down to look at me.
—You know, I was considered a God of craftsmanship, of metalworking because that's what I knew how to do. Before I became a kind of God I was a metal worker and that's what I spent a lot of time doing.
I looked at him from the ground. The truth is that I don't give a shit about his story. But I couldn't tell him, so I just stared at him.
—During all that time there were times when it was better and times when it was worse. In some places if you ask for the God of Fire I'm sure I'm a being of destruction and related to evil. But I learned a valuable lesson from all that. You know what I tell you?
That not even your mother loves you?
Although of course I couldn't say that, so I had to play the role of the interested boy.
—What did you learn?
I felt like a dog barking at its owner from the ground. If I had the strength I would at least put a fist in it to feel at ease.
—I learned that whatever you do, it doesn't matter what anyone says about you, but do it at your hundred percent.
Very good, very nice. Now go away.
—Do you know the way to bring out your one hundred percent?
I was beginning to despair.
What was this morning lesson all about? All the morning's accumulated calm was used up in less than 5 minutes.
—No, I don't know.
—The way to get your one hundred percent is to do things your way.
I looked at him quizzically.
You have to improve your advices, God of Fire.
—Don't look at me with a surprised face, kid, after all, I've lived many years. And now I'm going to correct that fighting style of yours.
He must think he has said something meaningful.
Before I could say anything the man grabbed me by the arm that wasn't sore and lifted me up.
I knew he was strong, but he can stop showing off every chance he gets.
We were facing each other.
—Now, boy, come and give me that punch I'm sure you're looking forward to.
I looked at him a little surprised. Could I really? Just like that?
—I told you to come and hit me, but not that I'm going to let you hit me.
I sighed. I should have known better.
I walked toward the God and stood a little less than three feet away from him.
The air was blowing off my back.
I closed my eyes, breathed and concentrated.
The feeling of the sand under my feet gave me security.
I got into my Karate stance. Let my right leg go back, my right fist at waist level, my left leg bent in front and my left arm half extended with my palm open.
Not that it was the best position as it left quite a few free spots to be attacked, but it was one I really liked, it let me make stronger fists.
I opened my eyes and saw the Fire God in front of me smiling. Not that I cared much, but I was surprised to see him like that.
Without letting it influence me I made force with my right fist and threw the punch forward as fast and hard as I could.
The Fire God grabbed my fist with his left hand.
Then, I put force on my left fist and sent it straight to his face, but he caught it too.
I tried to get him to let go, but he was too strong.
—Already? These two fists are all you have? All that preparation for this?
Listening to him made me nervous.
In a slightly clumsy move I tried to kick him in the stomach, but he let go of my fist and dodged it by ducking to the side. I wanted to continue attacking, but he kicked me in the only foot I had on the ground causing me to fall on my ass.
—Karate is not your thing.
And you're an expert, aren't you?
I sighed and with a kind smile I asked him:
—Why?
The last time someone said that to me was my father, and that was a long time ago.
—Karate has clear and fixed movements, you don't have the qualities to practice karate.
Even with the skill 'karate' it doesn't look like I'm going to be any good.
—Well, I know I'm not good at anything, but I have to do something to fight.
The Fire God shook his head.
—What do you think is your main characteristic?
I didn't know how to answer that.
Personally, I don't think I have any traits except for meddling where I'm not wanted, and it is something recent.
—I don't know.
—Your adaptability.
—Adaptability?
Is that even a characteristic?
—I don't think you should fixate on a style, fight how you can, attack where you want to. You, who seem so serene, you sure think things through and notice things that the rest don't.
I hate it when people give me lessons.
These people who think they know me really get on my nerves.
—I'll come for the rest of the time to fight with you in the mornings.
—No!
Then I covered my mouth.
The God laughed at my performance.
—I just want you to fight against me, to create your own fighting style and get better. I think the best thing for you is to improve your agility. And well, with that I'm leaving.
And the God of Fire ran away as if he was exercising.
All crazy.
But I was surprised by what he said at the end.
Improve my agility? Is he really trying to help me?